Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tolanaro, Madagascar, where the tropical climate can expose individuals to varying UV levels throughout the day. As the sun climbs higher, so do the risks of sunburn and skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about UV exposure. With midday readings reaching a peak of 6, proper sun protection is key to safeguarding your skin health and enjoying the beautiful outdoors without a harsh burn. Whether you’re hiking the stunning coastlines or exploring lush landscapes, knowing the UV Index will help you make informed decisions to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, perfect for morning strolls without much concern for sun protection. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 3, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The intensity peaks at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, reaching a 6—a signal to find some shade or apply sunscreen while enjoying the outdoors. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slightly drops, dipping to 5 at 1:00 PM and gradually declining to 2 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down from 4:00 PM onwards, the levels decrease significantly to 1 and finally to 0 by 6:00 PM, heralding a safe evening where sun exposure is no longer a concern. Overall, it's a day where sun safety measures are essential from mid-morning to early afternoon, ensuring fun in the sun without the burn!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index trend throughout the year indicates significant seasonal fluctuations in UV exposure, with the highest risks observed from January to March and during October to November, where UV levels reach an extreme category, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. April, May, August, and September also present high UV risks, categorized as very high, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when UV radiation is at its peak. Staying informed about daily UV forecasts can further enhance safety and minimize the risk of overexposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolanaro | 15 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Toamasina UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Fianarantsoa UVI | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Mahajanga UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Antananarivo UVI | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Antsirabe UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 |